Dave Lombardo: ‘A True Musician Does Not Contemplate Retirement’

The music world was shocked by the recent death of former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza, who died while performing onstage at a show in Los Angeles. During a recent chat with Metal Wani (heard in the player above), drummer Dave Lombardo, who has been touring and recording with Suicidal Tendencies, was asked about his friendship with Menza and whether his death had made him consider his own future.

"I had just seen him in November, I believe. I saw him back in November. We played a show together — his band OHM: and my band Philm. And it saddens me. It's terrible," stated Lombardo. "We have to take care of ourselves. Go see a doctor. Get yourself checked. A lot of guys don't do that. A lot of people, they don't eat right, or they abuse their bodies with drugs and pills or alcohol, or whatever. We're not immortal."

When asked if he would want to die onstage or had considered retiring from playing at some point, Lombardo added, "Retirement is not an option. I believe a true artist… a true musician does not contemplate retirement. How can you do that when it's something that lives in you? I cannot myself ever retiring. I see myself playing drums when I'm 80. No. I feel music is a constant evolution, and I feel like art is as well -- it's constantly evolving — and I don't feel my life and my career slowing down in any way anytime soon."

As stated, Lombardo, who is best known for his work in Slayer and has formed such projects Philm and Dead Cross, is currently touring with Suicidal Tendencies and is expected to join them for their next studio album. Speaking about the new music and his addition, the drummer stated, "It's Mike Muir and he was a very special style in which he writes his music and his lyrics and his structures. And I love it; I love it. It takes me back to how it all started, which was that punk attitude. I'm very happy to be a part of his organization. I feel very welcomed. I feel very much appreciated, and there's a lot of respect amongst the musicians, and camaraderie. We have a really good time together. We hang out as a band, which is important; I feel it's very important." Hear more of the interview with Metal Wani in the player above.

The band just wrapped up a European trek. Stay tuned for more from Suicidal Tendencies.

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